Best things to do in Czech Republic

Step into the world of medieval Prague with a stroll across pedestrian-friendly Charles Bridge. Completed in 1402, the bridge replaced an older structure and became a major commercial link between eastern and western Europe. For nearly four centuries, this Gothic structure was also the only connection between the city's old town and the growing residential neighborhoods on the other side of the Vltava River. The bridge rests on 16 arches and spans 621 m (2,037 ft), featuring a continuous alley of 30 statues depicting saints venerated at the turn of the 18th century, when they became the structure's main decorative elements.

The heart of old Prague, Staromestske namesti is one of Europe's largest public spaces. The site of the city's main marketplace for nearly a thousand years, the old square features a Gothic cathedral and a Baroque church, as well as a 600-year-old astronomical clock, one of the world's oldest. Tourists and buskers pack around the square's central statue of religious reformer Jan Hus, creating a modern urban atmosphere in the middle of Prague's oldest quarter. The square also includes a memorial to the 27 Protestant leaders beheaded here in 1620. Take a guided tour of the square's landmark churches, and see an ingenious piece of equipment come to life by standing in front of the astronomical clock right on the hour.

The square surrounding Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the most crowded spots in all of Prague, attracting tourists eager to synchronize their watches with one of the world's oldest timepieces. The town hall, founded here in the 1330s, houses the old town's main tourist office and has art exhibits on its first two floors. You can take a guided tour of the building to see its council chamber and assembly room, noted for containing exquisite mosaics from the 1930s. Be sure to climb the building's Gothic tower to see the inner workings of the famous astronomical clock, considered one of medieval Europe's major technical achievements. The clock's decorative figures put on a lively show on the hour, so time your visit if possible.

Looming above the left bank of the Vltava River, Prague Castle claims status as the largest castle complex in the world. Dating back to the ninth century, the imposing structure occupies nearly 70,000 sq m (753,000 sq ft), its grounds so big they include four churches and four palaces, as well as five different gardens. Once the seat of power for kings of Bohemia and Holy Roman emperors, the castle now serves as the official residence of the country's president. The structure has undergone four major reconstructions since the 12th century, and its blend of architectural styles earned it a spot on the World Heritage List.

Prague's finest example of Gothic architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral is the resting place of many saints, kings, princes, and archbishops. Located within the city's World Heritage-listed castle complex, the cathedral notably contains 14th-century mosaics and stained glass by artist Alfons Mucha. The biggest and most ornate of the cathedral's many side chapels features medieval frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ, as well as a hidden staircase leading to a chamber housing priceless Bohemian crown jewels. You may not be able to see the real jewels, which are famously protected by seven locks, but you can reward yourself with panoramic views of the city from the cathedral's south tower.

Prague Zoo occupies a wooded area on the right bank of the Vltava River. Home to nearly 5,000 animals from almost 700 different species, the park offers you a chance to come face-to-face with giraffes, gorillas, polar bears, tigers, and red pandas. Although the park shelters over 130 species listed as critically endangered, its most important possession may be a herd of rare Przewalski’s horses, native to the steppes of central Asia. Stop by to see the descendants of the last Przewalski's horse caught in the wild, and discover other highlights of this animal sanctuary by taking a guided ride on the zoo's miniature cable car.

On a clear day, Petřín offers sweeping views of Prague and beyond. Rising some 130 m (420 ft) above the left bank of the Vltava River, the hill is one of the city's most popular recreational areas for both visitors and natives. The hill's dominant feature is a 62 m (200 ft) high lookout tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Although you can scramble up the hill on foot, the easiest way to access the top is by a century-old funicular railway. Once there, you can climb the lookout tower's 299 steps for a small fee, or picnic in the park for free.

Uncover the true nature of the relationship Czechs have with their brews on a beer-tasting tour of Prague. Follow your knowledgeable guide through the World Heritage-listed medieval Old Town and trendy Zizkov district in search of iconic bars and microbreweries, as you learn about the Bohemian way of living. Depending on the type and duration of the tour, you'll get to visit the legendary Pilsner brewery, the summer residence of Czech presidents, some of the city's oldest monastic breweries, or Nizbor Bohemia glass factory. Although a shorter (2-4 hours) tour will sate the appetite of the thirstiest beer aficionado, a full-day excursion offers a more comprehensive glimpse at Bohemia's rich cultural heritage.

Named after its "lesser" position on the left bank of the Vltava, Lesser Town sits on the slopes just below Prague's world-famous castle complex. Linked to the larger and busier neighborhoods on the other side of the river by a medieval bridge, this quarter dates back to the middle of the 13th century. For a good portion of its history, the area housed mostly German artisans and merchants, invited to live and work here by King Ottokar II of Bohemia, the quarter's original founder. Today, the atmospheric quarter serves as home to government offices and foreign embassies. Follow the signposted tourist trail to see the neighborhood's major attractions, including an imposing Baroque church and a 700-year-old beer bar.

Jewish Museum in Prague preserves Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic and remains one of the most visited museums in the city. The collection of Judaica is one of the largest in the world, including an archive of Czech and Moravian Jewish community histories.

Eat your way around tucked-away districts, hidden alleyways, and uncharted local haunts on a guided food tour of Prague. Your fellow foodie guide will take you on a journey through the city's gastronomic heritage, stopping at cafes, gastro pubs, and bars for a taste of lip-smacking cheese-filled pastries, dumplings in sauce, and yummy "chlebicky" (garnished breads) beloved by Czechs. You'll even have an opportunity to chat with local chefs about their culinary traditions while washing down the delectable cold cuts and artisanal cheeses with craft beers or fruity wines. These tours usually last between 2 and 4 hours.

For a little Czech-flavored taste of Paris, visit Petrin Tower, dominating the surrounding area from its location high above the Vltava River. Built in 1891, this 63 m (206 ft) tall steel structure is a scaled-down copy of Paris' Eiffel Tower. The structure features 299 steps, which run on the inside of the tower and lead to two separate observation platforms. After decades of service as a transmission tower, massive renovations in 1999 turned the structure into a tourist attraction, adding a small cafe, gift shop, and exhibit area to its lower levels. Pay the small fee to access the tower's observation platforms, offering unbeatable views of the entire city.

A well-preserved example of a small central European medieval town, walkable Historie mesta Ceský Krumlov is one of the country's major tourist attractions, designated as a World Heritage Site. Hugging the banks of the Vltava River, the town spreads around a 13th-century castle that's famous for combining the finest elements of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture. Neglected for many years during the Communist era, the town's rich architectural heritage received a much-needed facelift through a series of major restoration projects over the last two decades. The exquisitely restored old buildings lining the historical center's narrow streets now house trendy restaurants and classy hotels, augmenting the town's fairytale atmosphere with tourist-geared modern amenities.